الاثنين، 18 سبتمبر 2017

First US unlocked Galaxy Note 8 firmware update released

Merely days after it released its new flagship, Samsung today rolled out the first US unlocked Galaxy Note 8 firmware update. It’s a minor update that weighs in at 81.63MB. The changelog doesn’t reveal much because this update doesn’t bring much to begin with.

The first US unlocked Galaxy Note 8 firmware bears version number N950U1UEU1AQI5. The changelog mentions that it improves stability for the Navigation and Google Maps app. The Weather Widget gets similar treatment. The usual slew of bug fixes and stability improvements are onboard as well.

Even though this firmware update has been rolled out in the third week of September, it doesn’t bring the September security patch. The handset will remain on the August patch until such time that another minor update brings it.

Owners of unlocked Samsung flagships in the United States haven’t really been happy with its update schedule for their units. It has taken a lot of flak from customers because of this.

Samsung promised earlier this year that it would do a better job of sending out updates to its unlocked devices in the United States. This is a step in the right direction. Hopefully, Samsung will keep this up and send out timely updates to unlocked Galaxy Note 8 units in the country.

US unlocked Galaxy Note 8 firmware

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SamMobile Daily Recap: September 18, 2017 — Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S9 and more!

Accessing notifications on the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8 is now easier

Samsung removed the home, back and recent apps buttons from the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8. It added support for new gestures to make up for that. For example, you can swipe up and down anywhere on the home screen to launch the app drawer. Samsung could have offered a simple gesture to access the notifications panel but it didn’t. It’s making amends now.

You might find yourself stretching out your fingers to access the notifications on large handsets like the Galaxy Note 8 and the Galaxy S8+. You could configure the fingerprint sensor to open the notifications panel but many users dislike where the sensor is located. They find it equally hard to reach.

Samsung now provides a different method of accessing the notifications panel with the latest TouchWiz Home screen app update. The “Quick-open notification panel” toggle can be found in Settings > Display > Home screen.

Enable it and you can then swipe down anywhere on the home screen to pull down the notification panel. It eliminates the need to try and reach the top edge of the display to pull it down. Swiping up will launch the app drawer as before.

This will take some getting used to if you’ve become accustomed to swiping up and down on the home screen for the app drawer. Once you do, you’ll appreciate this minor tweak.

You’ll need version 6.1.50.1 of the Samsung TouchWiz Home. If you haven’t received it over-the-air, you can download the APK from our apps page.

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Firmware Update Magazine: September 18, 2017

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly Firmware Magazine. You can think of it as your go-to resource to find out which of your Samsung devices has received a new update or if it’s going to receive a new firmware update in the near future.

To keep things interesting, we present the Firmware Magazine in new designs every week. It will always include the important details about firmware updates such as the firmware versions, device model numbers, Android OS versions and the country where said update is out already.

Keep in mind, however, that these firmware details are based on the firmware that are available in our database, and in some cases, the latest updates might not show in the same week as the full firmware files take additional time to make it to our database.

The purpose of this magazine is to bring all of that important information about firmware updates to you, the reader, in a manner that’s easy to comprehend—so even if you’re new to the world of firmware, you’ll have no trouble making sense of it all.

Click here to download the latest issue of our Firmware Magazine.

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You can now use 2D apps in VR, thanks to PhoneCast VR’s new update

PhoneCast VR is an app was released two months ago for the Gear VR. It makes various third-party video streaming and video player apps compatible with Samsung’s virtual reality headset, allowing users to watch videos on a 200-inch virtual screen. Now, a new version of the PhoneCast VR has been released, which makes it compatible with popular 2D apps.

The PhoneCast app’s Labs feature enables users to run apps and games in virtual reality by creating a 2D window within the VR environment, and the chosen app or game will run in that window. Any approved or whitelisted app can be run in VR using PhoneCast VR. The app can be downloaded from the Oculus store on the Gear VR.

Yujin Jung, Senior Product Manager at Samsung Research America, said in an email that a lot of users wanted to run their daily and communication apps in VR, which led to the introduction of this new feature. So, the team went ahead and whitelisted a lot of popular apps for the PhoneCast VR app.

PhoneCast VR

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Daily Deal: Grab Samsung’s Fast Charge Dual-Port Car Charger for 63% off

For a limited time only, you can bag yourself Samsung’s Dual-Port Car Fast Charger, which is capable of charging a Fast Charge-enabled handset from 0 to 50% in around half an hour, for just $17.25 (63% off).

If you like the sound of this promotion and want to take advantage of it, hit the Buy Now button below. We advise you to hurry though as Amazon only has a limited amount of inventory available for this specific deal and it’ll probably sell out fast.

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Galaxy J5 (2016), Galaxy Tab A 8.0 and Galaxy Tab A 9.7 spotted running Android 7.1.1 Nougat

The Galaxy J5 (2016), Galaxy Tab A 8.0 and Galaxy Tab A 9.7 have been spotted on both Geekbench and GFXBench’s online database running Android 7.1.1, which has (almost) led us to believe that Samsung is in the final stages of testing the much-anticipated Nougat update for the devices.

Truth be told, we’re feeling a little bit confused. The Galaxy J7 (2016), the Galaxy J5’s big brother, has already started receiving the Android 7.0 Nougat update, while the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 and Galaxy Tab A 9.7 were recently certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance running the firmware.

Have you noticed the discrepancy? All three units have been spotted running Android 7.1.1 Nougat, yet all signs pointed towards them receiving the slightly older Android 7.0 Nougat upgrade—so we’d recommend taking this information with a considerable hefty pinch of salt.

Regardless, seeing as the Galaxy J5 (2016), Galaxy Tab A 8.0 and Galaxy Tab A 9.7  have passed through the Wi-Fi Alliance and acquired certification to run Nougat, it’s safe to say that they’ll all receive the update in the near future. We just don’t know whether they’ll be treated to Android 7.0 or Android 7.1.1.

Thanks, Cesar H. Estrada!

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Samsung’s teamed up with Lego to release a Ninjago Movie Edition of the Galaxy Kids Tab

Samsung has teamed up with Lego to release a ruggedized Galaxy Kids Tab. The slate, which is aimed at infants, comes complete with branding from the entertainment giant’s latest animated movie, Ninjago, as well as Samsung’s Kids Suite.

Under the hood, the Galaxy Kids Tab 7.0 Lego Ninjago Movie Edition (try saying that after a night on the town) sports a 7-inch display, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of expandable internal memory and a 3,600mAh battery.

We know, we know. The slate isn’t going to win any awards for its internals—but it doesn’t need to. It’s designed for children who need something to keep them entertained, not a businessman who needs umpteen applications running at once.

Neither Lego or Samsung have provided any details surrounding availability. All we know is that the Galaxy Kids Tab 7.0 Lego Ninjago Movie Edition will cost $149.99 when it hits the shelves in the United States later this year.

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Galaxy S9 could sport an in-house camera sensor that’s capable of shooting at 1,000 fps

Samsung is working on a camera sensor that’s capable of shooting at one-thousand frames per second (fps) to rival the one on board the Sony Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Premium, according to a new report published by ETNews.

The sensor is expected to enter mass production in November, leaving plenty of time for it to be included in the upcoming Galaxy S9, which could be launched as soon as January, if recent leaks and rumors are anything to go by.

Related: Galaxy S9 launch to reportedly take place as early as January

Sony designed, patented and manufactured its own triple-stacked sensor to shoot at one-thousand frames per second on the Xperia XZ1—so Samsung can’t go down the same route. It needs to take a different approach, like a double-stack setup.

Recommended: Galaxy S9 could sport a ‘full-screen’ design, reveals patent

Aside from a shiny new sensor, which we believe will be squeezed into a dual-camera configuration à la Galaxy Note 8, the Galaxy S9 is rumored to sport a 5.8-inch Infinity Display, a Snapdragon 845 CPU and an in-display fingerprint sensor.

As we’ve said in the past, it’s too early to say whether the handset will ship with a bezel-less edge-to-edge screen like the Essential Phone, but seeing as Apple is headed in that direction with the iPhone X, it certainly seems likely.

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Best Galaxy Note 8 cases that don’t break the bank

You may be searching for the best Galaxy Note 8 cases now that Samsung has released the handset. Here’s a list of five such cases that have their own unique aspects. The most important detail here is that they don’t break the bank.

So if you want to buy any one of these best Galaxy Note 8 cases click on the links provided below. It’s best that you do. After all, not many people want to carry around a $1,000 smartphone without adequate protection!

ATGOIN

best galaxy note 8 cases

Let’s start off this list of best Galaxy Note 8 cases with a minimal option. This Galaxy Note 8 case from ATGOIN has been designed to highlight the beauty of the handset. It’s made from a combination of hard crystal clear PC back and soft TPU bumper. It’s slim but provides decent protection. Click here to buy it for $9.99.

Spigen

Spigen’s Slim Armor CS Galaxy Note 8 case promises durability with its dual-layered shock-absorbent TPU and rigid PC. It has been drop-tested from a 46-inch height 26 times. A sliding door at the back reveals a compartment that can store credit cards and cash. It’s bulk-free and pocket-friendly. Buy it now for $15.99.

Tocol

Tocol’s Leather Wallet Case blends convenience and functionality. It’s made from textured PU leather and durable PC. The cast is scratch resistant and can absorb shocks. It has three vertical card slots and space for cash. The magnetic clasp snaps firmly to keep the cash and cards inside secure. It’s a bargain at $10.99 so if you like it, buy it.

Zizo

The Zizo Bolt case for the Galaxy Note 8 provides 810.1-G military-grade protection. It’s made from shock absorbing tetra polyurethane and has an impact resistant PC shell. A kickstand is built-in. The company also ships its 0.33mm 9H hardness glass screen protector for free with this case. You can buy it now for $17.99.

i-Blason

The Ares from i-Blason makes its way on our best Galaxy Note 8 cases list because it’s a stylish clear case that provides full body protection. It has a built-in screen protector and multiple TPU layers in the bumper to protect against drops. It’s slim, pocket-friendly and doesn’t need to be removed for wireless charging. You can purchase it for $19.99.

There’s never going to be any shortage of best Galaxy Note 8 cases but these provide the best value in my view. Don’t forget to share your favorites with us in the comments below.

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Android 7.0 Nougat update released for the Galaxy On Nxt in India

Samsung has started distributing the Android 7.0 update for the Galaxy On Nxt in India. The upgrade bundles all of the exciting new features you’d expect to find baked into Nougat, as well as the firm’s coveted Dual Messenger feature, which debuted on the Galaxy A (2017) and Galaxy J (2017) series earlier this year.

Here’s the full changelog:

  • Android 7.0 Nougat
  • New UX (Samsung Experience)
  • Improved usability of Multi-Window
  • Improved usability of Notifications
  • Improved usability of Quick Settings
  • A new Dual Messenger function has been added

A little less than two weeks ago, Samsung released a similar update for the Galaxy J7 (2016) in the region, though notably missing from the release was the inclusion of Dual Messenger, a tool that allows users to clone messaging applications in a sandboxed environment, allowing them to sign into multiple accounts.

Recommended: Here’s a list of all the new features that Nougat brings to your smartphone

Android 7.0 Nougat includes a number of neat features that have been designed to improve user experience, including enhanced notifications, stricter application permissions, new emoji and refined battery saving tools. The upgrade also consists of a plethora of bug fixes, stability improvements and speed optimizations.

To check to see if the update is ready for your Galaxy On Nxt, open up Settings, hit About Device, then select Download Updates Manually. If you don’t feel like taking the manual approach, you can always wait until you receive an alert prompting you to install the update, though that typically takes a little longer to arrive.

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You can now meet 17th century artist Rembrandt in virtual reality

Samsung has been consistently releasing a lot of virtual reality apps, games, and videos for the Gear VR. Now, a new app by virtual reality studio Force Field has been released for the VR headset which lets users meet Rembrandt, a 17th century Dutch artist.

The Meeting Rembrandt app takes you back to 17th century Amsterdam and recreates Rembrandt’s home and surroundings in virtual reality. You can watch the entire creative process behind the making of his famous painting The Night Watch. You can also go through the most notable events in the artist’s life and even interact with him in his atelier.

It’s as if you are actually there, up-close with Rembrandt, in his atelier, in his house, as he interacts with you and lets you understand why his work was so controversial in that day and age,” Force Field chief Arthur Houtman said. The app is free to download right now on the Oculus Store.

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Buy unlocked dual-SIM Galaxy Note 8 in US via eBay

Samsung usually releases dual-SIM variants of its flagship smartphones and that’s true for the Galaxy Note 8 as well. The company started taking pre-orders for the unlocked dual-SIM Galaxy Note 8 in markets across Europe last month.

It hasn’t started doing that officially in the United States. However, customers in the US can now buy unlocked dual-SIM Galaxy Note 8 from eBay. The model available via eBay is what’s referred to as the international model.

What that means is that this device has an Exynos 8895 processor instead of the Snapdragon 835 chip that’s found on official US models. Everything else remains the same including 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The obvious difference is the support for two SIMs.

They only concern you should have if you decide to buy unlocked dual-SIM Galaxy Note 8 from eBay is carrier support. The international model does support most of the bands required to run on US LTE networks. However, it’s not compatible with CDMA carriers so Verizon and Sprint customers are out of luck.

You can buy unlocked dual-SIM Galaxy Note 8 from the third-party seller on eBay right away. It’s priced at $899. The official single-SIM Galaxy Note 8 costs $929 in the US so you do get to save $30. Then again, you won’t get any cool pre-order incentives with this purchase.

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Samsung finally lets us disable the Bixby button

The dedicated Bixby button on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ didn’t really serve any meaningful purpose until last month when Bixby Voice was rolled out globally. Before the global release of Bixby Voice, the dedicated button could only be used for Bixby Home.

Most users didn’t feel the need for Bixby Home to have a dedicated key. Third-party apps were developed that allowed them to remap the button to launch any app of their choice. Samsung was quick to clamp down on those apps for reasons that our editor in chief explained in great detail.

I bemoaned recently that the Bixby button was driving me nuts and many of our readers agreed with me. I don’t like how it gets in the way and that you can’t avoid accidental presses of the button. However, it’s time for us to rejoice.

Samsung is finally allowing us to disable the Bixby button, to an extent. The latest Bixby updates add a new toggle which lets you decide whether or not Bixby Home should be launched when the dedicated button is pressed. This can also be configured from the Bixby settings menu.

You’ll see this toggle at the very top of Bixby Home once you install the update. You can tap on the gear icon to hide the toggle should you so desire. It’s just a matter of tapping on a toggle now and that makes me happy.

To be clear, Bixby Home isn’t going anywhere. You can still access it by swiping left from the home screen. The Bixby button will also work for summoning Bixby Voice. Just press and hold like you already do.

Are you happy that Samsung is finally giving us this option? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.



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